Renewed Israeli Offensive in Gaza Leaves Over 400 Dead
March 18, 2025 Hour: 1:42 pm
The spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense Corps, Mahmoud Basal, reported on Tuesday that more than 400 Palestinians have lost their lives, with between 300 and 600 injured, following Israeli airstrikes targeting the Gaza Strip. Basal warned that many of the injured are in critical condition, which could significantly increase the death toll.
In statements to Al Mayadeen, Basal described the attacks as “massacres,” detailing that Israeli forces struck 100 targets, including schools and civilian homes, in less than a minute. Gaza’s Ministry of Health confirmed that among the fatalities are 174 children, 89 women, and 32 elderly individuals.
The renewed offensive has led to a surge in forced displacement in northern Gaza, particularly in Beit Hanoun. According to Al Mayadeen’s correspondent, the healthcare system in the region has collapsed, unable to cope with the growing number of casualties.
The Israeli aggression officially resumed in the early hours of Monday to Tuesday, with Tel Aviv announcing the continuation of the war. Bombings have targeted residential areas, refugee camps, and locations near hospitals, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Israel’s Public Broadcasting Authority reported that the decision to resume the war was unanimously made during security consultations led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top intelligence and military officials. This decision reportedly had the backing of the U.S. government.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Government Information Office denounced the challenges in transporting victims due to fuel shortages and the collapse of road infrastructure.
Muhammad Abu Selmia, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, described the situation as “catastrophic and heartbreaking,” highlighting that morgues are overwhelmed and rescue teams are unable to reach those trapped under the rubble.
The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas declared several of its leaders as martyrs, including Issam al-Dailees, Mahmoud Abu Watfa, and Bahjat Abu Sultan, along with figures like Yasser Harb and Ahmad al-Hatta. Hamas condemned the attacks, asserting that they would strengthen the Palestinian people’s resolve to resist occupation.
Additionally, Islamic Jihad confirmed the death of its prominent leader Naji Abu Saif (Abu Hamza), the military spokesperson for the Al-Quds Brigades, its armed wing. Both Palestinian movements reaffirmed their commitment to confronting Israeli aggression despite the significant human and material losses.
